Henry Cavill is known to many for his role as Superman. He first played one of the most famous superheroes back in 2013. To appear in the image of the Man of Steel, the actor had to look accordingly. Tight body and relief muscles – not computer animation, and the result of hard training and special nutrition. But Cavill did not stop there: he continued to work out, and today his size would definitely impress him himself from 2013. And in 2019 he transformed again – for the role of the witch Heralt in the new series from Netflix We tell you how Cavill has changed over the past few years and how he managed to achieve such forms.
Antique Hero, Superman and Special Agent: How Cavill has changed.
Henry Cavill could boast of a good physical shape even before Superman. So, in 2012, he played the ancient Greek hero Theseus in the movie “War of the Gods: Immortals”. In this movie, the size of the actor is not as impressive as, for example, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, but there is definitely something to look at.
In 2013, Cavill got the role of Superman and became a part of the DC Universe. He took a responsible approach to preparation before filming and worked out a lot to make his body fit the image of the iconic superhero. At that time, the actor was led by trainer Mark Twite, who helped to get in shape many Hollywood stars, including Gerard Butler for filming in “300 Spartans”.
Superman is the epitome of strength. In preparation for the movie, Henry worked not only to increase the relief of muscles. It was also important to work out the muscles of the bark and abs – in order to “flying” in the frame looked realistic.
For the role of August Walker – a special agent of the CIA – in “Mission Impossible: Consequences” Cavill not only grew a mustache, but also built up more muscles. Although the actor does not appear topless, you can see his biceps even through his shirt.
Heralt bodybuilder: how Henry Cavill rocked out for “The Witcher”
In 2018, it was revealed that Netflix was taking on the film adaptation of the iconic book series “The Witcher and the Witcher Saga”. After the failed 2001 Polish series, fans were wary of the news. Reaction to the casting results was also mixed, with Netflix seeing Henry Cavill as the white-haired witch Geralt of Rivia.
The book’s Geralt is not noted for his super-muscles, but the creators of the new series decided to depart from the canon. To fit into the modernized image Cavill had to return to the gym again. This time the training became even more intense, and the results – even more impressive. Cavill trained under the guidance of Dave Rienzi, who also prepared the Rock for his role in “Hobbs and Shaw” – the sequel to “Fast and Furious”.
An incredibly productive trip to Budapest to prepare Henry Cavill for key scenes in Netflix’s new series “The Witcher.” His decision to take his training to the next level is not easy to implement because of his shooting schedule: Henry is now shooting more than 12 hours a day without a lunch break, plus two hours of makeup. He’s putting in 110%.
Every morning Cavill began with an intense cardio workout, after which he began to exercise with weights. As the actor himself admits, specifically for “The Witcher” had to pay special attention to the exercises that helped Cavill in performing stunts on the set. For example, lifting dumbbells on the biceps strengthened wrists, which facilitated filming with a sword. And with the help of hyperextension became stronger back of the thigh – Cavill was easier in combat scenes, including – to perform various pirouettes.
Three-day dehydration before filming
In addition to intense training and calibrated nutrition, Cavill resorted to not quite useful methods. In an interview, he admitted that three days before filming bed scenes strictly restricted himself in food and water to achieve impressive relief.
Dieting is hard because you’re hungry all the time. But when you dehydrate yourself for three days, on the last day you start to smell water.
Of course, the actor did not give up water completely, he only reduced its amount. So, on the first day he drank about a liter and a half, on the second day – half a liter, and only on the third day he did not drink at all. Such “preparation”, as Cavill explained, removes excess water from the body, the skin becomes thinner and tighter around the muscles.
Of course, everyone has his own limit of physical capabilities. Someone can train every day between 12-hour shoots, while for some the maximum is three workouts a week. It’s important to realize that actors playing superheroes or superwarriors destroying monsters is an impressive sight, but not a benchmark for everyone who goes to the gym. For Henry Cavill, getting fit is part of the job, just like practicing acting or learning a new trick. And although the new witch doctor looks quite spectacular, an ordinary person to strive for such forms – especially the scene of his health – is not necessary.